The air conditioner operates abnormally.
Lightning and radiowaves can sometimes cause abnormal operations of air conditioners. Cut off the power supply by unplugging the power cord or turning off the circuit breaker, then re-supply power and restart the air conditioner.

What's wrong with your AC if the tubes are freezing and the air is not as cold ?
It is freezing up. We find this problem occurs particularly when it cools off somewhat outside. Turn your a/c temperature up, and your fan speed to high. This helps to keep it from freezing. More than likely you are low on refrigerant. Have you had the pressures checked. Also check you filter and ensure it is not dirty.

What problems would you expect by closing off one of two return air vents?
Your AC would tend to lose some of its cooling capacity as it would not have significant air changes on the portion of the house where the return is closed.

How often should I change the air filter in my system ?
Check it at least every month during peak use, and replace it when it looks dirty enough to significantly impair the air flow through it. Some filters, such as media filters or electronic air cleaners, are washable; others are disposable and must be replaced.

In hot weather, should I turn my thermostat up when I leave for work in the morning ?
If your house is going to be empty for more than about four hours, it's a good idea to turn your thermostat up to about 82 degrees or so instead of the 78 usually recommended. Keep the house closed to minimize heat build up. When you come home, don't set the thermostat any lower than the temperature you actually want your air conditioning system wouldn't cool any faster and might easily waste money by cooling your home more than needed.

What if the exhaust hose is installed wrong?
In that case the hot air will not go out as it is suppsed to and will remain in the room instead thereby warming the room instead of cooling it.

How long have ductless systems been around?
Ductless heating and cooling systems were developed in Japan in the 1970’s and have since become a preferred heating and cooling system throughout Asia and much of Europe. In the United States ductless systems have been used in commercial applications for over 20 years.

Should I have a new programmable thermostat installed with my new system?
Programmable thermostats are an excellent tool to save energy. You can program the thermostat so that it raises and lowers the temperature automatically to coincide with your needs. They are particularly effective when your household is on a regular schedule and the program operates continuously. Aside from lowering your energy bill, a programmable thermostat offers additional comfort (i.e. Wake up to a warm bathroom.)

Why is it important to have regular maintenance on my home comfort system?
You wouldn't buy a brand-new car and expect to never have to put air in the tires, change the oil and check out any unusual noises, would you? In the same way that an automobile requires periodic maintenance for optimal performance, a home comfort system should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.

How often should I have my air ducts cleaned and inspected for repairs?
Yes, this is normal. A heat pump generally produces air tIn the majority of homes, cleaning and inspection once every three years is adequate. The type of air filter you are using and the frequency of maintenance on your heating and air conditioning equipment can have a significant effect on the duration between cleanings. The purchase of a good quality air cleaner will protect your heating and air conditioning equipment, duct system, and your home, while scheduled maintenance will extend the life of the equipment and increase its efficiency.hat is around 80° and provides even comfortable, heating around the house – not a blast of intense heat. However, 80° may feel cool to your hand, which is usually closer to 90°.

What maintenance should I do on my air conditioner?
The most important maintenance you can do is to change your filters regularly. Ground mounted outdoor units need to be kept clear of debris, clutter, weeds or landscaping that can grow too close and reduce the airflow to the unit. Also, keep pets away from the unit because pet urine can cause expensive damage. Use caution with a weed trimmer around the unit to prevent damage to the control wiring or to condenser coil fins. Any additional maintenance should only be performed by a qualified contractor.

Should I try to keep my system from running too much?
Every time your system starts up, it will use a lot of electricity and not produce much cooling. Usually a system that is too small to cool the home is more economical to run but delivers less comfort. Even though it runs non-stop, it will usually consume less power than a larger system that cycles on and off. As a rule of thumb, a unit that cools (although with a longer run cycle) is typically less expensive to operate than a unit that is cycling on and off.

What air temperature should my air conditioner produce?
The air temperature your system produces depends on the temperature of the air going into the system. Generally, the air produced should be 18°-20° below what enters the system. So if the air entering the system is 80°, the air exiting should be about 60°-62°. However, that only works on a system that has been running at least 15 minutes on a warm, dry day with a home that is about 80° inside. On a mild day, with an indoor temperature in the low 70's, or during humid conditions, the air coming out may only be 15°-17° cooler than the temperature of the entering air.

Should I change my indoor coil?
When replacing your air conditioner or heat pump, the answer is most likely yes. The efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on the performance as part of a matched system. If only the outdoor portion is changed, the efficiency and savings could be less than that of a matched system.

Why should I have my equipment serviced?
Annual servicing includes cleaning the system, checking for any problems or potential problems and adjusting for Peak efficiency. The benefits include:
Increased dependability.
Find potential problems and fix them quickly.
Provide maximum efficiency which lowers energy costs.
Prolongs the life-span of the equipment.
Maintains safe and healthy operation.
Can help to protect the environment.
Drastically reduces the chance of a break-down which usually happens at night or on weekends when repair rates are higher.

Why Doesn't the A/C Kick on?
If the air conditioning will not kick on, see whether someone has tampered with the thermostat and set it too high for the air conditioning to turn on when the room gets uncomfortably warm for you. If the thermostat is set correctly, go to the main service panel to inspect for a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.

Why should I clean Duct?
A maze of heating and air-conditioning ducts runs inside the walls and floors of 80 percent of American homes. As the supply ducts blow air into the rooms, return ducts inhale airborne dust and suck it back into the blower. Add moisture to this mixture and you've got a breeding ground for allergy-inducing molds, mites, and bacteria. Many filters commonly used today can't keep dust and debris from streaming into the air, and over time, sizable accumulations can form — think dust bunnies, but bigger. To find out if your ducts need cleaning, pull off some supply and return registers and take a look. If a new furnace is being installed, you should probably invest in a duct cleaning at the same time, because chances are the new blower will be more powerful than the old one and will stir up a lot of dust.

Professional duct cleaners tout such benefits as cleaner indoor air, longer equipment life, and lower energy costs. Clean Heating & Air Conditioning systems can also perform more efficiently, which may decrease energy costs, and last longer, reducing the need for costly replacement or repairs. Cleaning has little effect on air quality, primarily because most indoor dust drifts in from the outdoors. But it does get rid of the stuff that mold and bacteria grow on, and that means less of it gets airborne, a boon to allergy sufferers.

What are common thermometer problems?
While thermostats rarely fail outright, they can degrade over time as mechanical parts stick or lose their calibration. Older units will send faulty signals if they've been knocked out of level or have dirty switches. To recalibrate an older unit, use a wrench to adjust the nut on the back of the mercury switch until it turns the system on and, using a room thermometer, set it to the correct temperature. Modern electronic thermostats, sealed at the factory to keep out dust and grime, rarely need adjusting. However, whether your thermostat is old or young, the hole where the thermostat wire comes through the wall needs to be caulked, or a draft could trick it into thinking the room is warmer or colder than it really is.

Your Central Air was working fine last summer but now that you've turned it on again, the HVAC doesn't Work.
During the winter, did you have any work done on the heat in your central air system?If the answer is yes, there's a good chance that the Central AC company reversed the wires when working on the heat. Have the Central AC contractor come back and repair their mistake.

Why does my air conditioner keep running?
More than likely the air conditioner is undersized and/or working harder to keep to the desired indoor design temperature. An air conditioner works properly and efficiently at the temperature it was designed to achieve during installation. If there are hotter than normal days, the A/C will try to maintain the indoor design temperature. This does not necessarily mean there is an undersized unit. It means that the particular hot day is outside the normal range of the calculated design for the A/C unit. A proper load calculation from an air conditioning contractor can determine if the air conditioner is properly sized for the geographic location.

The air conditioner produces a water flowing sound.
The water flowing sound is produced by the refrigerant that flows inside the air conditioner. This sound is more prone to generation when the defrost operation is activated in a heating operation.

What are some preventative maintenance things I should be aware of?
With the proper attention, heating and cooling systems can keep you comfortable year-round. Heat pumps and oil-fired furnaces and boilers need a yearly professional tune-up. Gas-fired equipment, on the other hand, burns cleaner and can be serviced every other year. A close inspection will uncover leaks, soot, rust, rot, corroded electrical contacts and frayed wires. In furnace (forced-air) and boiler (hot-water) systems, the inspection should also cover the chimney, ductwork or pipes, dampers or valves, blower or pump, registers or radiators, the fuel line, and the gas meter or oil tank — as well as every part of the furnace or boiler itself. Next, the system should be run through a full heating cycle to ensure that it has plenty of combustion air and chimney draft. Finally, cleaning the burner and heat exchanger to remove soot and other gunk will prevent such buildup from impeding smooth operation. For the burner, efficiency hinges on adjusting the flame to the right size and color, adjusting the flow of gas, or changing the fuel filter in an oil-fired system. A check of the heat pump should include an inspection of the compressor, fan, indoor and outdoor coils, and refrigerant lines. Indoor and outdoor coils should be cleaned, and the refrigerant pressure should be checked.

What if Water leaking from the rear of a window air conditioner?
Water leaking from the rear of a window air conditioner is not unusual, especially when humidity levels are high. If water is being dumped outside then the machine is operating properly. Its primary job is to remove moisture from inside the home and dispose of it outside. If in an apartment building then a bucket under the rear of the air conditioner can stop it from leaking onto your downstairs neighbours.

What can I do to make my air conditioner more efficient?
Prevent any direct sunlight from heating up the room the unit is in. Clean the dust filter every month or as often as it needs it. Limit using any heat generating appliances such as stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, hair dryers, etc.

If we are getting cool air, how bad can refrigerant charge problems be?
Incorrect charge significantly reduces the cooling capacity and energy efficiency of your unit and can also damage your system. If a unit is significantly undercharged, the compressor can overheat, causing it to burn up internally. Overcharging can flood the compressor with liquid refrigerant, causing the piston to catastrophically fail. In both cases, premature compressor failure is the likely result. In a recent test of air conditioners installed in Massachusetts, 14% of the units tested were severely over- or undercharged, which, as mentioned above, will likely cause early compressor failure if not detected and corrected.

How to check Sensor Problems?
Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

How do I know if my system is working properly?
Is it making strange noises? Is it cooling or heating all areas of your home sufficiently? Has it been taking longer to cool down or heat up? Have your utility bills been rising for no apparent reason? Any of these are signs that you may have a problem that needs service. In most cases, the longer you delay, the worse any underlying problems will get. So be sure to contact a qualified technician to check out your system whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary.

How do I Know Electrical Failure?
The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

How to check REFRIGERANT LEAKS?
If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer's specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

Ductless Split Maintenance tips
While you won’t have any ductwork to worry about, you will still have an outdoor condenser that needs to be maintained to keep your heating and cooling system operational. To avoid any problems make sure no debris builds up around the system.
Grass, leaves, debris or shrubs can all block the system, reducing efficiency or causing other problems. There are also screens and filters on your system that need to be properly maintained – cleaned of excess debris and washed on a schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

How to empty the drip pan ?
This product has a self-evaporative system. The condensing water will be recycled to cool the condenser. This can not only improve cooling efficiency, but also save energy for you. If the inside water is full, the display panel will display “P2”, and the compressor will stop running. Please turn the machine off and move the machine to the place where can drain water, and then unplug the water-draining hole. After drainage, you can power it on and the machine will run again. Unplug the air conditioner, disconnect the exhaust hose from the back, and move the air conditioner to a suitable drain location or outdoors. You may also place a pan under the drain that will hold up to 1 quart of water. When the internal water collection tank is full, the air conditioner will turn off until the tank is emptied. Remove the drain cap from the drain outlet. Once the water collection tank is drained, reinstall the drain cap, making sure it is on securely. Place the air conditioner in the desired location, reconnect the exhaust hose, and plug in the air conditioner.

I want to use the machine just as a fan?
No the machine was designed to draw hot moist air from the room thats why it blows out the back. All you can do is run it in dry mode leaving the hose on.

How to reset unit from E2 error ?
The E2 error code is a sensor protection feature. It is an Auto Stop Protection designed to avoid the occurrence of unit damage. The unit will likely require service. To make service arrangements, you may either contact our Customer Interactive Center at 800-243-0000.

How do i reset my portable AC when i get FL error?
Empty out the water using the bottom plug and it will reset itself.

Why do I have to empty the water tank 4 times in one day?
You must live in an area with high humidity. The higher the humidity index, the more you need to empty the drain tank.

Why would your AC be running outside but inside very little air is coming from the vents and it sounds like it does not kick on inside the house?
you need to check to see if the lines or outside unit has an ice build up. unit is probably working too hard, keep it at an even tempature, don't turn down and then turn up constantly. Better yet, check to see if the indoor fan motor is running. It could be a bad fan motor, bad capacitor, or bad fan relay.

What are the potential dangers of operating your HVAC system with a cracked heat exchanger?
If a crack in the heat exchanger allows carbon monoxide to escape into your home you may experience dizziness, light-headedness, flu-like symptoms, or even death by asphyxiation. Carbon monoxide limits the body’s ability to take in oxygen. This is an extremely dangerous situation to have in the home, because the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning may be gradual and undetected.

Why do I need to have my evaporator coil cleaned?
To rid the air conditioning evaporator coil of microbial growth and of debris. Over time, your coil will become impacted with dust, hair, and miscellaneous particles. This leads to a reduction in air flow and efficiency, causing the coil to freeze up and the air conditioning to stop blowing cold air.

How do I stop the microbial growth and debris from getting on my coil?
Using a good quality filter plays a crucial role in preventing this, but even with the best filters,debris will still get by them. You might want to consider having a U/V light installed to prevent the microbial growth. See picture on pictures page.

How to Clean Home Ducts and Vents?
Over time the air ducts in a home build up with dust, debris and mold. Removing these contaminants provides your home with cleaner air and make your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently. This job is best left to a professional service who has the necessary equipment.
Instructions:
Cut two access panels-one in the main supply and one in the main return line near the furnace.
Attach a high-powered and specially-made vacuum system to these holes.
Seal all vents in the home then power up the vacuum to create negative pressure in the duct system.
Open each vent, one at a time to access its ductwork. Clean debris from all the ductwork back to the furnace using long hoses and air-powered tools. Then re-seal the vent. Repeat this process with every vent in the house.
Access and clean the blower and its motor, the cooling coil and combustion components.
Remove the vacuum and re-seal the holes created in Step 1.

Split Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist
The easiest way to make sure that your home ac maintenance is done correctly is to have it performed regularly by a qualified, professional air conditioning specialist.

• Inspection of coolant levels and pressure
• Calibration of thermostat and check of proper cycle and temperature
• Inspection of wiring, contacts, capacitors and relays, adjusting and tightening if necessary
• Checking the evaporator coil for cleanliness
• Checking that the condensate drain is clear
• Condenser inspection and cleaning
• Inspection of the outdoor disconnect
• Examination of the condenser fan motor and blades, and lubricating them if needed
• Checking the condenser amps at startup
• Safety and efficiency checks

How to Troubleshoot an LG Air Conditioner?
A split or ductless AC is a type of air conditioner that does not have ductwork connected to it and that runs very quietly. If a split AC cools the room poorly or not at all, then you may need to fix it by cleaning the intake grille and air filter. If your split AC has an unpleasant odor or leaks water, then you may need to unclog the drain line.
Instructions
Make sure the LG air conditioner is completely plugged into a functional power outlet if it is not working. Check the household fuse or circuit breaker, and replace or reset it if necessary.
Turn off the air conditioner and wait three minutes if the air conditioner has turned off automatically due to compressor overload. Restore power and press "Reset" on the power cord.
Move furniture, curtains or other items from the area immediately around the air conditioner if it is not cooling as expected. Turn the thermostat to a cooler temperature.
Turn off the air conditioner and open the front access panel if the air conditioner is not operating well. Pull out the filter and clean it with cold water. Dry the filter completely and return it to the air conditioner.
Turn the control dial to "High Fan" or "High Cool" with the thermostat set to "1" or "2" if there is ice developing on the air conditioner.
Contact LG for assistance if necessary.

How to remove water in an LG Air Conditioner?
LG air conditioners are designed to cool individual spaces or rooms and offer an electronic control panel, three cooling speeds, three fan speeds, an automatic on/off timer, washable filter and a remote control for easier access. The air conditioners are sold online or in select home repair or heating and cooling supply stores and come with a warranty. Minor problems with the air conditioner, such as water in the unit, can often be resolved by the owner through some troubleshooting.
Instructions:
1. Disconnect the power and turn off the LG air conditioner.
2. Locate the drain cap at the rear, righthand corner of the unit.
3. Place a container under the drain cap, and open it.
4. Allow the water to drain out of the base pan. When no more water drains, close the drain cap.
5. Restore power.

Steps to Clean Condenser Coils?
You will need a few tools before cleaning these coils. Make sure you have a fin comb, soft brush, grass shears, carpenter’s level, pry bar and coil cleaner. These tools will make the whole process simple.
Here is the step by step process:

Remove grasses, weeds or trailing plants that have grown around the condenser. They restrict the air flow through the condenser coil.
Clean the condensor coils with a coil cleaner. Commercial coil cleaners are readily available in the market and are very effective.
Clean the fins with a soft brush to remove collected dirt. Remove the protective grill very carefully to reach the fins of the condenser unit. A tool called a fin comb is used to make the fins straight.
It is very important to make the level of condenser unit horizontal. Check the level of the concrete pad on which the condenser sits with the help of carpenter’s level. If the condenser is not horizontal then make it in level with a pry bar and shims.
After all the above steps, all the parts of the condenser unit that are disturbed from their places for cleaning should be placed in their particular place carefully.

Steps to Clean Evaporator Coils?
Actually, you do not need to clean these coils regularly as you do with condenser coils. These coils are not in direct contact with outside dust. It is enough to clean them once a year.You will need different tools to clean these coils: Make sure you have a screwdriver, stiff brush, a large hand mirror and household bleach.

Steps for cleaning these coils are as follows:

Remove the foil-wrapped insulation that is fixed at the front of plenum. An access plate is situated using several screws behind this insulation. You will need to remove this plate with the help of the screwdriver.
Now, you will be able to see the dust on the evaporator coils. Clean the evaporator coils with a stiff brush. A large hand mirror will help you to see the dust.
There is a tray below the evaporator unit that can also be cleaned with the stiff brush.
If you are unable to reach every part of the coil you can pull the evaporator unit out a little. This will help you to clean properly.
You can put household bleach into the weep holes of the tray to prevent fungus and mold buildup.
The last step is to fix all the parts of the entire unit in their places. Be careful.

Disclaimer: This is a generic how-to article and should not be taken as professional advice.

Someone told me I can put bleach or vinegar in the drain line to stop it from backing up, is this true?
You can put bleach or vinegar in the drain line to help stop the build up, but air conditioning maintenance by a trained technician can clear the drain line more effectively.

My outside condensing unit has a bunch of dirt and leaves on the coil, can I clean that myself?
You can rinse the outside condensing coil down with a water hose.

What temperature should I keep my thermostat set at?
That is a matter of personal preference, but FPL recommends 76-78 degrees. Just remember, the more you use the air conditioning the more wear on the system.

A Central AC's 3 big maintenance items.
1. Clean the outdoor condensing units with a garden hose make sure that the AC is turned completely OFF when you do this. A clean condensing unit helps for good airflow.

2. Clean your filter monthly. A dirty filter not only impedes efficiency it can break your central air conditioner.

3. Check the batteries on your digital thermostat. If the thermostat is mercury based, make sure that it is mounted straight on the wall.

What is Radon?

Radon DiagramBasically Radon is a colorless, odorless soil gas that comes from the natural disintegration of radioactive heavy metals uranium and thorium below the earth's surface. Radioactive decay actually makes life on Earth possible by heating its core
OK, now for all of you science geeks let's try an in depth explanation:
Radon is a gaseous radioactive element having the symbol Rn, the atomic number 86, an atomic weight of 222, a melting point of -71ºC, a boiling point of -62ºC, and (depending on the source, there are between 20 and 25 isotopes of radon - 20 cited in the chemical summary, 25 listed in the table of isotopes); it is an extremely toxic, colorless gas; it can be condensed to a transparent liquid and to an opaque, glowing solid; it is derived from the radioactive decay of radium and is used in cancer treatment, as a tracer in leak detection, and in radiography. (From the word radium, the substance from which it is derived.) Sources: Condensed Chemical Dictionary, and Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 69th ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1988
Sources of Radon are the Earth and rock beneath the home, well water, and some building materials.

How does it get into our homes?

The air pressure inside homes is slightly lower than in the ground (typically 0.7-1.4 psi vacuum), which draws in radon gas from several feet away. Combustion appliances, like furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces, as well as exhaust fans and vents, reduce the indoor air pressure. The warm air inside our homes naturally rises reducing the air pressure on lower floors. Strong winds can even create a vacuum. When the ground is frozen or soaked by rain, "bottled up" radon gas in the ground moves to the warm porous gravel and disturbed ground around the house, then up into the house.
The majority of homes, whether a slab or a basement, are built on concrete. Although extremely hard, concrete is actually porous. The naturally rising Radon gas is pulled into the house by the negative vacuum and in through openings or cracks and through the pores in concrete. Modern houses tend to build up radon, because the building envelope is almost airtight while the foundation is "leaky" to soil gas. The soil gas infiltration ranges from less than 1% to over 20% of the total "fresh air" infiltration into homes.
The heavy radon gas will usually accumulate in basements and on lower floors. Heating and air-conditioning, natural air movement, and diffusion of radon atoms through the floors and walls distribute radon throughout the house.